The perceived effects of perimenopause and menopause on female equestrian riders

Bradley, Stephanie and Mills, Claire ORCID: 0000-0003-4156-4593 (2024) The perceived effects of perimenopause and menopause on female equestrian riders. In: 3th Alltech-Hartpury Conference, 8th May 2024, Hartpury University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Introduction: Equestrian sport is sex integrated and enjoys a career longevity atypical for elite athletes of an Olympic sport. The average age of equestrian athletes at Rio 2016 was 44.1, with maximum age of 61. Female equestrians account for approximately two thirds of all participants, yet conversely male equestrians dominate the elite levels ​(Dumbell et al. 2018)​. Perimenopause and menopause occur for women during the age ranges of 35-65. Symptoms of peri/menopause are very individual, and are physiological, psychological, and cognitive. The menopause transition is complex with a variety of symptoms being experienced by most women ​(O’Neill and Eden 2012)​. Female equestrians will experience peri/menopause whilst still participating, and equestrian coaches may benefit from awareness. Equestrian success relies on a unique dyadic relationship between the rider and the horse ​(Hogg and Hodgins 2021)​. ​Lamperd et al. (2016)​ emphasised the importance of controlling anxiety and being confident as key traits for elite riders. Menopause symptoms may impact these traits and the ability of the rider to communicate with the horse. There is a paucity of specific literature focusing on the effect of the peri/menopause on female athletes, and none relating to female athletes in equestrian sport. Given the longevity of riding age, male dominance at elite level, and the overall preponderance of women within equestrian sport, there is a strong rationale to support research in this area. Aims: To explore the perceived effect of peri/menopause on female equestrian rider, identify challenges experienced, and consider implications for coaching. Materials and methods: An online questionnaire was shared via Facebook. Female participants (n = 1,629) were recruited from all equestrian disciplines, aged 21 – 73 years of age (x ± s; age = 51.86 ± 14.95 years) who believed themselves to be within or beyond peri/menopause. The survey contained 36 questions - mainly open questions with checkbox responses to accommodate varying individual circumstances. The final optional question required the respondent to share their experience of this life stage. Descriptive statistics were used for the multiple-choice questions and reflexive thematic analysis used for further analysis of the final question. Results: Specific questions explored the most impactful symptoms on participation and performance. A word cloud (Figure 1.) illustrated frequency of these symptoms. Figure 1. Word cloud summarising open worded responses to most impactful symptoms affecting female equestrians. The most prevalent symptoms were joint pain, weight gain, anxiety, sleeplessness, and loss of confidence. Participation within more risky disciplines reduced – showjumping and eventing reduced by half. Four in five respondents reported reduced enjoyment and a third reported they had stopped riding completely, temporarily or adapted their activity. One in three had ceased receiving coaching, giving a variety of reasons linked to their peri/menopause symptoms. There is a perception of lack of support regarding peri/ menopause within the equestrian community. These results suggest women need help to navigate this life stage. Greater awareness of symptoms, more open conversations with other riders, and empathy of coaches could offer more support. “I have three of my own horses….my top horse is ready for GP, has taken me to the Nationals at every level and even international. This year I’ve lost all desire to ride as if I’m suddenly too exhausted to do it….I feel lost”. Participant 461 Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has been beneficial for some riders, alleviating symptoms that interfere with riding. Success from seeking medical advice though a GP was mixed – some respondents also used specialist clinics instead. The importance of finding empathetic coaches suggested they have a strong role to play. “I avoided certain coaches who I once would have tolerated, but I do not feel as robust to cope with criticism, even when it is constructive.” Participant 913 I’m embarrassed to be so bad and so lacking in confidence that I resist the idea of coaching.” Participant 1009 Discussion and Conclusions: The menopause experience for female equestrians is complex and is perceived to negatively impact female equestrian athletes, the extent varying. A minority of respondents perceived they had not been impacted at all. Given the longevity of career and the demographic of female equestrians, it is possible careers have been limited due to this life stage. Riders and coaches should have a greater awareness and signpost support. Further, performance pathways should consider this aspect for riders within Performance Lifestyle roles, enhancing athlete wellbeing. References ​​Dumbell, L.C., Rowe, L. and Douglas, J.L. 2018. Demographic profiling of British Olympic equestrian athletes in the twenty-first century. Sport in Society 21(9), pp. 1337–1350. ​Hogg, R.C. and Hodgins, G.A. 2021. Symbiosis or sporting tool? Competition and the horse-rider relationship in elite equestrian sports. Animals 11(5), p. 1352. ​Lamperd, W., Clarke, D., Wolframm, I. and Williams, J. 2016. What makes an elite equestrian rider? Comparative Exercise Physiology 12(3), pp. 105–118. ​O’Neill, S. and Eden, J. 2012. The pathophysiology of menopausal symptoms. Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine 22(3), pp. 63–69.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Other)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman Q Science > QP Physiology > QP301.H75 Physiology. Sport R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Depositing User:	Claire Mills
Date Deposited:	14 Oct 2024 10:36
Last Modified:	14 Oct 2024 11:55
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/13956

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